On Wednesday, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed deep admiration and support for Raúl Castro following the U.S. Department of Justice's federal indictment against the 94-year-old former leader. Describing Castro as a mentor, a cherished friend, and a paternal figure, Díaz-Canel's comments came as a defense of Castro against the charges.
Through the official Cuban Presidency's account on X, Díaz-Canel articulated a defense filled with “personal affection” for the man who preceded him in power. "For me, Raúl has always been a mentor, a leader who inspires commitment and whose footsteps are worth following daily. But he has also been a dear friend and feels like a father to me. Fidel is Fidel, and Raúl is Raúl," he stated.
The remarks followed Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche's announcement at Miami's Freedom Tower, revealing federal charges against Raúl Castro for the downing of two civilian aircraft belonging to the Brothers to the Rescue organization on February 24, 1996, resulting in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans.
The indictment, sanctioned by a grand jury in the Southern District of Florida on April 23, 2026, and disclosed on Wednesday—Cuba's Independence Day—includes charges of conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of homicide.
Díaz-Canel dismissed the indictment as a "political move with no legal foundation," asserting that it aims to justify potential military aggression against Cuba, attributing it to Washington's "arrogance and frustration" over the "steadfastness of the Cuban Revolution."
In defending Castro, Díaz-Canel also highlighted Castro's ongoing influence despite formally relinquishing power: "He stays actively involved, keeping a watchful eye on everything, encouraging and supporting when things are done right and yield results. With great respect, he also offers advice."
Díaz-Canel emphasized that despite Castro's significant historical role within the regime, "he has never restrained us, never made us feel inhibited, never limited our actions."
He concluded his defense with an epic tone: "The ethical stature and humanistic essence of his work shatter any slander that might be cast against General of the Army Raúl Castro."
Alongside Castro, five other Cuban military officials were indicted: Emilio José Palacio Blanco, José Fidel Gual Barzaga, Raúl Simanca Cárdenas, Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez, and Lorenzo Alberto Pérez-Pérez.
The four victims of the shootdown were Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) determined at the time that the shootdowns occurred outside Cuban airspace, and evidence includes a 1996 recording where Castro allegedly ordered, "take them down over the sea."
There is no extradition treaty between Cuba and the United States, making the actual prosecution of Castro highly unlikely, as he has never set foot on U.S. soil at the age of 94.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications of Raúl Castro's Indictment
What charges has Raúl Castro been indicted with?
Raúl Castro faces charges of conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of homicide.
Why is there no extradition treaty between Cuba and the United States?
The absence of an extradition treaty is largely due to long-standing political tensions and lack of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Who were the victims of the 1996 aircraft downing?
The victims were Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales, all of whom were Cuban-Americans.